Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola shared his thoughts on Pablo Zabaleta ‘s decision to leave the club at the end of the season. The full back’s contract is set to expire and there will not be a renewal.
Pablo Zabaleta will end a nine-year stint at Manchester City at the end of the season. The player’s contract is set to expire and it has been announced that a decision between club and player has been made of not to renew it.
The Argetine defender joined City in 2008 from Spanish side Espanyol. He became one of the team’s pivotal players in the club’s resurgence. Zabaleta was a member of the squad that won the Premier League title in 2011-12 and 2013-14. While at the club, City also won two EFL cup trophies and the FA Cup. It was an incredible period for a club that had long been without significant success in England.
Current Man. City manager Pep Guardiola talked about Zabaleta’s great importance for the team. In the manager’s eyes the full-back enters the history books as one of the team’s most important signings.
“Hopefully all the fans can come to support us – we play for a lot of important things – and to express gratitude for one of the most important players in the history of Manchester City,” said Guardiola.
“I have a lot of respect for people players and managers who do what they do for a lot of time. Nine years here is incredible and to replace that you need someone to stay here nine years. His impact here was amazing. He was one of the first players [of the current squad] to come here and he has helped the club to where it is right now.”
Manchester City play West Brom on Tuesday in one of the season’s most important games. With a victory City are assured a top four finish in the Premier League and participation in next year’s Champions League. City has qualified for the competition in the last seven years. While the team ends the season without winning any trophies, a top four finish would certainly be an important encouragement for the team’s future.
